Whale & dolphin watching

Overview

Madeira’s position in the North Atlantic makes it the ideal destination Whale and Dolphin watching. Add in the island’s temperate climate, and you’ve arguably got the best year-round destination for Cetaceans.

Common Bottlenose dolphins are resident in the waters around Madeira all through the year. Sperm whales are also sighted throughout the year, but the best time to spot them is normally from March through to September.

Sightings of Bryde’s whales tend to peak mid-Summer whereas Short-finned Pilot whales tend to be sighted between November and April. Atlantic Spotted dolphins can be spotted throughout the year, but sightings can be down in the winter. They also share the Bottlenoses’ gregarious nature and are often seen riding on the bow-wave of boats.